Characteristics of a great website.

Our third part of our “Build Your Brand for Success" Series, focuses on one of the biggest pieces of your brand. The Website. With over 1,966,514,816 users currently using the internet, It is clear that you must have a web presence, and a good one. If someone hears about your business from a colleague, you can bet they will go to Google or any search engine and look for your site to try and learn more about your business before making a call. Is it ready to deliver? We have decided to break down some characteristics that we feel all websites should have.

Purpose: Generally we see websites being used as “Interactive Brochures”, but don’t limit them to that. Allow your site to become a powerful tool, as your business grows. Consider using your website to analyze your client base, generate leeds, sell products and drive the user to do more. The web is flexible, and it is very important to have a strong focus to ensure you are delivering a positive experience to your audience.

Simplicity: You want to be clear. Information should be found easily on your website. You do not want anyone to have to dig for your content and become frustrated. Although you should be happy with your website, the end user should always be the main focus. Frustrating and unclear navigation will make potential clients leave your website for another alternative.

Modern: If your website is 4 years old, there is a good chance that the technology is not as effective as it use to be. How well your website ranks in Google, relies on modern techniques to process your website. Browsers have changed and the advancements in tablets and mobile phones have made many websites practically useless in these devices. Technology changes regularly, and it is a benefit and investment for your business to ensure your website is being viewed in these devices. We will expand on this topic in our next part of the series.

Manageable: The ability to manage your own content on your website, will keep it fresh and current for all who visit. This is important to the success of your brand. By keeping your content relevant, there is no surprises when a customer visits your business. Content Management Systems, allow you to deliver updates to your customers immediately and allows your site to be updated with ease.

Integrated: If you have a Facebook or Twitter account for your business, it is important to allow your customer to be able to find this information on your website. Integrating these services into your website makes it easy for anyone to see your activity and ensures you have not been in a cave for the last six years.

Appealing: Just like your logo, you need to be sure that your website is appealing to your audience. It doesn't have to be a complicated design, but it needs to be designed and on brand. The design needs to compliment your business and the purpose of the website. Your website needs to be trusting to the user so they stay on your website and absorb your content.

Now is the time for you to take a look at your website. Does it have any of the above characteristics? Is it time to consider a refresh? If you currently do not have a website, do you see the need?

Be sure to subscribe to this blog as we continue to break down each part of your brand in order to help you better understand the importance. We would love to get your feedback and answer any questions you may have, so feel free to add your comments below.